Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Given that Russia is the third largest non-EU export market for Irish goods, after the United States and Canada, the sanctions being imposed by Russia on EU exports have to be of serious concern to us. It is not just about the direct impact on Irish exports; the indirect impact also means there is more competition among European exporters for a smaller market share. Can the Minister of State give an indication of the particular initiatives that are being taken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or by the relevant State agencies, to address the difficulties that have arisen following the imposition of those sanctions?

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